Published: Dec. 3, 2023
A study that evaluated risks and predictive factors of splenic malignancy and hemangiosarcoma in dogs undergoing splenectomy showed that the majority ( 57.7%) had benign splenic diagnoses.
The retrospective study analyzed medical records from a privately owned practice and their reports from 182 dogs that underwent splenectomy to treat splenic masses from 2017 to 2021. The purpose was to review the chances of malignant splenic tumors and hemangiosarcoma in dogs with spleens removed. They also aimed to determine which factors might predict HSA in these dogs.
Canine splenic masses are commonly encountered in veterinary practice, and they originate from various tissues like lymphoid, vascular, and endothelial. Hemangiosarcoma and other malignant splenic lesions can appear similar to benign conditions based on their appearance and clinical presentation; this underscores the importance of understanding the factors that distinguish one from the other.
The “double two-thirds” rule states that approximately 2/3 of splenic masses in dogs are malignant, and 2/3 are diagnosed as HSA. Some recent studies – including this one – have not aligned with these early findings, but splenectomy is still the most reliable protocol treatment for a proper diagnosis.
The study recalls the economic burden of splenectomy combined with a poor prognosis for a hemangiosarcoma diagnosis can result in the unnecessary euthanasia of patients with benign splenic masses, especially in emergency settings where owners must make rapid decisions.
In this study, HSA was identified in only 32.4% of the dogs. These results mirrored another study’s recent findings that only 27% of the dogs that underwent splenectomy surgery due to a splenic tumor were malignant.
Based on their findings, hemoperitoneum (bleeding within your peritoneal cavity), anemia, thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count), and smaller diameter of splenic lesions were risk factors for HSA, with the first three associated with hemorrhage. The researchers recommend considering these associations when evaluating splenic masses and deciding on splenectomies.
They also found that 93.9% of incidentally found splenic masses were benign, warranting extra caution if a splenectomy is considered in a dog without clinical signs indicative of malignant splenic disease or clear risk factors for malignancy.
The study claims that the overall prevalence of splenic malignancies, including hemangiosarcoma (HSA), may be overestimated in certain canine populations, particularly when veterinarians are assessing non-ruptured splenic masses in dogs in private practice settings. They hope the many findings of the study can assist veterinarians in making informed decisions regarding options, risk factors, and prognoses related to HSA and the likelihood of malignancy.
Additionally, as canine demographics, breed distributions, and life expectancy evolve, it is important to recognize that clinical patterns may also shift, differing from those established in previous decades. This information can be crucial when discussing health concerns with pet owners.
